In a major policy shift, Pakistan has announced the repatriation of more than 1.3 million Afghan nationals whose Proof of Registration (PoR) cards expired on June 30, 2025. Beginning September 1, these individuals will be considered unlawful residents and subject to deportation, according to the country’s Ministry of Interior.

This move follows a July 31 announcement, where the ministry made it clear that Afghan refugees still residing in Pakistan without valid documents would be required to return to Afghanistan voluntarily or face forcible removal.

PoR cards and their significance

PoR cards were issued jointly by the Government of Pakistan and the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) to Afghan refugees who entered the country during various conflict phases since 1979. These cards gave legal recognition and basic rights, allowing Afghans to reside, work, and access services in Pakistan temporarily.

The cardholders were supposed to renew their legal status periodically. However, following the expiry date of June 30, 2025, the Pakistani government has declared no extension will be granted this time.

A policy shift rooted in national concerns

This decision reflects Pakistan's tightening stance on undocumented migrants, particularly in the context of rising national security threats, economic strain, and sociopolitical challenges. Over the past year, anti-immigration sentiments have gained traction in Pakistan, with repeated calls from public and political circles to regulate foreign populations more strictly.

Authorities argue that the unregulated movement of undocumented refugees has posed security risks, including links to smuggling, terrorism, and cross-border crimes.

Impact on Afghan refugees

The upcoming repatriation plan will directly impact more than 1.3 million Afghan nationals, many of whom have been living in Pakistan for decades. For many refugees—especially those born and raised in Pakistan—returning to Afghanistan may mean starting life from scratch in a country that remains politically fragile and economically unstable.

Human rights groups and refugee advocates have expressed concern over the humanitarian implications of this mass return. Several warn that many Afghan families may face persecution or extreme poverty upon return, especially those without homes, jobs, or social connections in Afghanistan.

UNHCR yet to comment officially

While the UNHCR has worked extensively with Pakistan to manage Afghan refugee populations, it has not yet issued an official response to the latest policy announcement. However, in previous instances, the UN agency has urged voluntary repatriation and insisted on respecting refugee rights and safety.

Past statements from UNHCR stressed that returns must be safe, dignified, and informed, with adequate support mechanisms in place on both sides of the border.

Legal ambiguities and enforcement challenges

Experts highlight that implementation of the repatriation plan could face multiple challenges, including:

• Identifying expired PoR cardholders among large undocumented populations

• Humanitarian resistance from local and international NGOs

• Cross-border logistics and cooperation with Afghan authorities

• Overburdened detention and transportation facilities

Moreover, some Afghan residents may attempt to remain in hiding or relocate internally within Pakistan to avoid deportation, further complicating enforcement.

Political and regional implications

This decision is likely to have regional diplomatic consequences, especially in the context of Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, which have remained strained in recent years over border disputes, militancy, and trade issues.

The move could also lead to backlash from Afghan authorities or local tribal groups, particularly in border regions like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, where cross-border ethnic and family ties remain strong.

Past precedents

This is not the first time Pakistan has sought to repatriate large refugee groups. In 2016 and 2023, similar crackdowns took place, often followed by international criticism and limited success in actual deportations. However, the current drive appears to be more organized and time-bound, indicating serious political will behind the move.

The Upcoming IPOs in this week and coming weeks are Mahendra Realtors and Infrastructure, Bluestone Jewellery and Lifestyle, Icodex Publishing Solutions, Star Imaging and Path Lab, Medistep Healthcare, ConnPlex Cinemas, ALL Time Plastics, JSW Cement, Sawaliya Foods Products, ANB Metal Cast.

The Current active IPO are Parth Electricals & Engineering, Jyoti Global Plast, Essex Marine, Aaradhya Disposal Industries, BLT Logistics, Bhadora Industries, Highway Infrastructure.

Start your Stock Market Journey and Apply in IPO by Opening Free Demat Account in Choice Broking FinX.

Join our Trading with CA Abhay Telegram Channel for regular Stock Market Trading and Investment Calls by CA Abhay Varn - SEBI Registered Research Analyst.